New York State has set a goal of developing 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035 and its beginning with the South Fork Wind Project, the Long Island Business News website reports.
As anyone who lives on the East End knows one of the most robust energy forces are our prevailing winds. Promoters of this industry point out that with typical 2400 MW of offshore winds, New York State has the unique opportunity to rank third in the world, behind the UK and Germany for wind farming.
New York State’s announcement of the South Fork Wind Project establishes it as first state to develop this market on the Atlantic Coast, this accomplishment comes with opportunity to develop at scale vital infrastructure (bring on the investments!) and own boasting rights to be the primary base for offshore wind industry for the U.S.
This is a Big Deal!
The South Fork Wind Project Gets Started
For many locals, the news last week that construction is beginning for NYS's first offshore wind installation and will put a dozen wind turbines about 35 miles east of Montauk Point will be an energy game changer for the future. This construction will provide major employment opportunities for the foreseeable future but in the short term the power generated and Its transmission system will start delivering energy directly to the electric grid in the Town of East Hampton and is expected to be operational in late 2023.
Governor Hochul noted “South Fork Wind will eliminate up to 6 million tons of carbon emissions over the next 25 years benefiting not only the Empire State but our nation as a whole. This project will also create hundreds of good-paying jobs, helping spur economic growth across the region as we continue to recover from COVID-19. This is a historic day for New York... as we lead our nation toward a greener, brighter future for all.”
A Wind-Fueled Future
Deep waters off the coastline of the mid-Atlantic waters will soon become a major green energy resource. Last month the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced it has scheduled an offshore wind auction on Feb. 23 for an area of 488,000 acres in the New York Bight, a large triangular-shaped area of the water that stretches from Cape May, N.J. to Montauk Point.
New York State is making a huge investment in a greener future with five offshore wind projects in active development, currently the largest portfolio in the nation. It totals more than 4,300 megawatts and will power more than 2.4 million New York homes, and it is expected to bring a combined economic impact of $12.1 billion to the state.
For all concerned about a more sustainable future and investment opportunities on the East End, this announcement is very good news.
For more information check out:
CLIMATE JOBS NY
WHY OFFSHORE WIND IS IMPORTANT FOR NEW YORK
